2011,
Julia Brian,
Spanish,
Uruguay,
Director: Aldo Garay
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
"El Casamiento" (The Wedding), directed by Aldo Garay, is a deeply poignant and intimate documentary that explores the profound relationship between Julia Brian, a 65-year-old trans woman, and Ignacio, a 75-year-old former construction worker. The documentary delves into their love story, highlighting their bond of companionship, mutual care, and their long journey toward recognizing their identities and desires. Set in Montevideo, Uruguay, the film portrays the simple but touching life they have shared together, culminating in their decision to marry.
The documentary opens with a phone message left by Julia for Aldo Garay, the director, informing him of their upcoming wedding and requesting that he serve as their best man. This phone call, at once heartfelt and matter-of-fact, sets the tone for the rest of the film—simple, unpretentious, and deeply emotional.
At the heart of "El Casamiento" is the quiet but unwavering love between Julia and Ignacio. They first met on Christmas Eve in a park when both found themselves alone. In a spontaneous decision, they chose to spend the holiday together, an encounter that would lead to a lasting bond. From that moment, they became inseparable. Their story, though simple, is a tender portrayal of two people who found each other by chance and built a life together.
Julia, a trans woman, had only recently been recognized by the Uruguayan government in 2005, which allowed her to officially change her gender identity. She had lived much of her life without the ability to fully embrace who she was, but by the time the documentary was filmed, at the age of 65, Julia had finally been able to live as the woman she had always known herself to be. Ignacio, on the other hand, is an elderly man whose health is in decline, yet his love and devotion to Julia remain strong.
The documentary captures the everyday moments of their lives, with a focus on their quiet, loving interactions. One of the most touching scenes shows Julia tenderly bandaging Ignacio's feet. Her comment, "You always need two – one helps the other," is both a literal reference to the bandages and a metaphor for their relationship—two people, deeply dependent on each other for support and care.
Throughout the film, the audience is invited into their shared moments, many of which are simple but deeply moving. In one scene, they sit on a park bench, sharing food and a quiet moment together, their hands intertwined as they leave, a slow, beautiful shot of the deep connection they share. In another poignant moment, Ignacio speaks directly to the camera about his upcoming marriage to Julia. Though he is elderly and somewhat frail, his emotions are raw and clear. He confesses, tearfully, that he cannot wait to marry Julia, saying, "How can I not love you? Why? Because we started a life together." His love is so genuine that it transcends the concept of gender. In a direct interview, Ignacio expresses that he sees Julia as a woman and does not feel that he is marrying someone of the same sex. His heartfelt words provide insight into his unshakable affection for her, demonstrating how love can defy societal norms and personal limitations.
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The film also includes some scenes that are less engaging but still important in portraying the everyday life of the couple. There are moments where Julia visits the salon to have her hair done, or when they attend Mass together, sharing in the communion ritual. Though these moments may not have the same emotional weight as others, they provide valuable context to their routine and the quiet joy they find in the mundane aspects of life.
While the documentary is mostly intimate and slow-paced, this is part of its charm. The film doesn’t focus on dramatic events or sweeping narratives; instead, it lets the quiet, understated love between Julia and Ignacio speak for itself. Through these simple moments, we come to understand the depth of their relationship—how they have weathered life's challenges, including Julia’s struggle with her identity, Ignacio’s physical decline, and the social prejudices they both have faced.
However, the film does face some pacing issues. Several scenes, such as Julia getting her hair done or the couple’s travels through the city, while offering glimpses into their lives, lack the same emotional intensity as the more intimate moments. These sequences might feel dull to some viewers, as they do not directly propel the narrative forward or deepen the emotional resonance of the story.
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Despite these occasional lulls, "El Casamiento" is ultimately a story about love in its purest form. The film underscores the beauty of human connection, highlighting how love can be a steady, enduring force even in the face of life's difficulties. Julia and Ignacio’s journey together is one of mutual support, acceptance, and deep affection, transcending the obstacles that they have faced as individuals and as a couple.
In the broader context, "El Casamiento" serves as an important commentary on issues of gender identity and the recognition of trans people in society. Julia's experience of finally being able to live authentically as a woman in her later years speaks to the broader struggles faced by the transgender community. The documentary provides a window into her life, showing the transformative power of self-acceptance and the importance of loving and being loved for who you truly are.
In conclusion, "El Casamiento" is a beautiful and tender documentary that captures the essence of love between two ordinary people, Julia and Ignacio. Their story is simple yet profound, and through it, we witness the power of love and companionship in its most authentic and unassuming form. Though the film may have moments that lag in pace, it is ultimately a heartfelt testament to the enduring power of human connection, and the quiet joy that can be found in sharing a life together.
Image credits: YouTube
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